The Shaq–Kobe Lakers demolished the Western Conference in the 2001 playoffs. They swept the Portland and Sacramento teams that pushed them to winner-take-all games in 2000 as well as the top-seeded San Antonio Spurs, becoming the first team in NBA history to enter the Finals undefeated.
Their Eastern Conference counterpart Philadelphia 76ers followed a more tumultuous road, being pushed to Game 7 by both Vince Carter’s Raptors and Ray Allen’s Bucks. Philadelphia had one thing those teams did not: regular-season MVP and all-time offensive talent Allen Iverson. AI carried his squad to the Finals where he spoiled the Lakers’ hopes of sweeping the entire postseason thanks to a legendary performance in Game 1 that was sparked by one of the most iconic plays in league history.
ALLEN IVERSON’S LEGENDARY PERFORMANCE INCLUDED HIS MOST ICONIC PLAY IN NBA FINALS GAME 1
The 76ers fell short in about every category against the Los Angeles Lakers, a team considered among the most dominant in history. LA possessed a couple of quality veterans from Chicago’s Michael Jordan era including Ron Harper and Shaq’s former Orlando teammate Horace Grant, as well as their old coach Phil Jackson leading the way. Philadelphia had a Chicago vet of their own in Toni Kukoc, but beyond Allen Iverson and an aged Dikembe Mutombo, the roster was relatively thin.
Despite the talent disparity, Iverson willed Philly to a Game 1 upset. This was their best chance as the Lakers were coming off a relatively long rest period compared to the 76ers who came into the Finals following a seven-game ECF vs. Milwaukee. Iverson, the regular-season scoring champion, led the Finals in that category, putting up his highest mark of 48 in the opening game. Shaq was right behind with 44. The most iconic moment of the series came when Iverson stepped over Tyronn Lue after tripping him up with a crossover to create space for a jumper. LA would win the Finals, but Iverson’s legacy in Philly was cemented forever after this game.
June 6, 2001: For the 1st time in NBA Finals history, 2 opponents reached 40+ PTS — #76ers PG Allen Iverson (48) and Lakers C Shaquille O'Neal (44). AI’s crossover and stepping over Tyronn Lue became iconic during the Lakers only postseason loss of 2001
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) June 6, 2021
pic.twitter.com/vTd2XEsLuI
AI’s most legendary performance was one for the books on June 6, 2001 pic.twitter.com/5nL4mOwnRc
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) June 6, 2021
Share this Allen Iverson article with friends and follow for more great sports content!
